The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) has outlined the procedure for actions upon discovering a forest fire. The relevant recommendations are posted on the department's website, BELTA reports.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) has outlined the procedure for actions upon discovering a forest fire. The relevant recommendations are posted on the department's website, BELTA reports.
Witnesses of a forest or peat fire are urged by the MES to immediately report the emergency to the rescue service by calling 101 or 112. "The main task is to prevent the fire from gaining strength and spreading. To do this, you should extinguish the fire, carefully inspect the area, and ensure that there are no remaining sources of combustion. The most common method is to beat out the flames at the edge of the fire. For this purpose, green branches are used, and you can also cover the edge of the fire with soil," the rescue department stated. They strongly recommend not to waste time on a fire that has already significantly developed – in this case, it is better to hurry to get help. When leaving the fire site, you should move against the wind, perpendicular to the fire edge, along clearings, roads, glades, and the banks of streams and rivers. In case of heavy smoke, if possible, it is better to cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth.
"During firefighting, it is necessary to observe safety rules and remember that in crown fires, when the crowns of trees are burning, the banks of water bodies, large glades, and deciduous forests without coniferous undergrowth can serve as a refuge. You should not seek refuge on roads and clearings surrounded by coniferous forests, especially young stands with low-hanging crowns, as well as in ravines overgrown with forest. The burning of trees in open areas is always very intense. In dry weather and with wind, burning twigs, leaves, and embers can be carried tens of metres. When a peat fire is detected, it should be taken into account that deep burnt-out areas can form in the combustion zone, so you should move cautiously, having previously checked the depth of the burnt layer with a stick," the MES recommends.
Rescuers state that forest or peat fires are usually man-made. In rare cases, they are caused by lightning strikes or spontaneous combustion of peat bogs. The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) reminded of the administrative liability for violating fire safety requirements in forests and peat bogs, or for violating the ban on visiting them. According to the Code of Administrative Offences (KoAP), this is punishable by a fine of up to 25 base units (1 BU - Br24.5). A similar violation that results in the destruction or damage of forests or peat bogs, if such actions do not constitute a crime, incurs a fine from 25 to 50 BU.
As reported, a ban on visiting forests has been introduced in 72 districts in Belarus. Due to the complex fire hazard situation, forests in all southern regions of the country – Brest, Gomel, and Grodno – are completely closed. Forests in Minsk, Vitebsk, and Mogilev regions are partially closed for visits. The introduction of a ban on visiting forests implies a complete refusal for people to visit the forest fund, including for walks, outdoor recreation, etc. Vehicle entry is also prohibited, except for official vehicles.